Beyond the Face: 'Ozempic Mouth' Emerges as New Side Effect Concern

With weight-loss injectables such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro increasingly in the spotlight for their life-changing outcomes, a not-so-well-known side effect has started to emerge, and its touching smiles. Now dentists are sounding the warning call about so-called "Ozempic Mouth," an illness characterized by a variety of oral health maladies.

While the phrase "Ozempic Face", meaning observable fat loss on the face, has been making headlines, dentists are now seeing similar troubling changes in the oral health of their patients. Google Trends says searches about "Ozempic + Teeth" have exploded more than 200% in the last week, a measure of increasing public interest and alarm.

Dr. Sofina Ahmed, a top dentist at Viva Dental, told HELLO! that patients of GLP-1 drugs are showing visible and sometimes permanent impacts on their gums and teeth. The drugs, initially created to treat diabetes and now commonly used for weight loss, affect several systems in the body, including those essential for oral health.

What is "Ozempic Mouth" exactly?

The term describes a new trend of symptoms ranging from dry mouth and tooth sensitivity to gum recession and even early aging of the smile. Dr. Ahmed stressed that as patients concentrate on their weight loss, they tend to neglect how changes in hormones, saliva flow, and decreased chewing activity can instantly affect their oral health.

Among the most reported symptoms is xerostomia, or dry mouth. GLP-1 drugs tend to reduce saliva output, which can leave the mouth vulnerable to decay, bad breath, and gum disease. “Saliva plays a protective role by flushing away food particles and neutralizing acids,” Dr. Ahmed noted.

Another frequent complaint is increased sensitivity, particularly when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods. This can indicate underlying enamel loss or gum recession, which could increase if neglected. Adding to the worry, certain patients are getting oral ulcers and thrush, since low mouth moisture weakens the immunity defenses and the fungal infection flourishes.

In more extreme cases, patients report visible volume loss in the face and gums. As body fat decreases rapidly, facial features, including the structure supporting the mouth, can change. “The jawline and cheeks may lose support, causing the smile to look older or more hollow,” said Dr. Ahmed.

Other symptoms include jaw tension and teeth grinding (bruxism), often linked to stress or anxiety during rapid weight loss. Nighttime grinding can result in worn enamel, jawache, and even chronic headaches. Hormonal changes also interfere with hydration, further exacerbating the dry mouth condition and increasing the risk of inflammation and tooth decay.

In addition to physical symptoms, changes in lifestyle that accompany weight loss also contribute. Most patients follow low-carbohydrate diets, high in protein, and often supplemented with caffeine to suppress appetite. These food choices, however, cause mouth acidity, which weakens enamel and fosters cavities.

Less food consumed also results in less chewing, which is really crucial to oral health. "Chewing naturally stimulates saliva and helps clear food debris from teeth," Dr. Ahmed noted. Less chewing can accelerate plaque buildup and gum problems.

Another insidious one is nutritional deficiency. Altered appetite and digestion can result in insufficient levels of calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and B12 — all vital to having strong teeth and gums. Furthermore, new findings indicate that GLP-1 drugs can upset the gut microbiome, which is linked to oral health via immune system pathways.

How can patients safeguard their oral health while using these medications?

Dr. Ahmed recommends a proactive approach:

• Stay well hydrated by sipping water regularly. Adding sugar-free electrolyte tablets and using a humidifier at night can also help combat dryness.

• Encourage saliva production with xylitol-based mints or sugar-free gum. For persistent dryness, products like Biotene or Glandosane sprays may offer relief.

• Protect teeth with fluoride: Use high-fluoride toothpaste (1350–1500 ppm) and consider fluoride mouth rinses. Prescription options are available for those with worsening sensitivity or decay.

• Choose teeth-friendly snacks like crunchy vegetables and fruits to stimulate natural cleaning.

• Manage bruxism by discussing night guards with your dentist and exploring stress-relief techniques such as meditation or magnesium supplements.

• Maintain a balanced oral microbiome with alcohol-free mouthwashes and probiotic lozenges designed for dental health.

• And most importantly, inform your dentist if you are on GLP-1 medications so they can adjust treatment and monitor your oral health accordingly.

“The mouth reflects your overall health,” Dr. Ahmed emphasized. “With timely attention and a few small changes, patients can enjoy the benefits of weight loss while protecting their smiles.”

References:

1. James, F. (2025, April 29). Forget ozempic face, now experts are warning of Ozempic Mouth. HELLO! https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/829051/forget-ozempic-face-now-experts-are-warning-of-ozempic-mouth/

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)